NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
IDS Transportation Services, LLC will begin providing weekly spot rates on heavy volume 53' door-to-door domestic intermodal lanes, along with market commentary to the Journal of Commerce (JOC) for use in its expanding coverage of the North American intermodal market. With the continued growth of domestic intermodal, the JOC is expanding coverage of the intermodal market and the supply chains and logistics strategies it supports. The JOC will initially use the spot rates provided by IDS to publish a weekly article on JOC.com analyzing the latest pricing developments and trends.

According to Rick LaGore, Executive Vice President of IDS Transportation Services, LLC, shippers who are using or considering domestic intermodal as a lower-cost alternative to trucking currently have few avenues for information to follow the intermodal market. "IDS works in many different markets and with all the major railroads, which gives us a broad perspective on the market and the emerging trends," said LaGore. "We look forward to the partnership with the JOC to help report on intermodal pricing trends to assist shippers to better evaluate their trucking and/or intermodal decisions."
Peter Tirschwell, Senior Vice President for Strategy for the JOC, stated, "Based on the growth and importance of domestic intermodal, the JOC aims to provide readers with a reliable and consistent source of market information and trend analysis. Increasingly shippers are turning to intermodal to lower costs while maintaining reliability and flexibility in their supply chains. In light of this, we are pleased to work with IDS to offer a regular, deeper look into the intermodal market."
About Domestic Intermodal:
Domestic intermodal transportation has been gaining momentum over the last several years as a great alternative to over the road trucking for lanes over 700 miles. Tightening capacity caused by driver shortages, increasing operating costs driven by regulation and upward fuel pressures are additional reasons why domestic intermodal is gaining in importance. These dynamics do not appear to have a good solution anytime soon. This changing dynamic is forcing shippers who would typically truck their freight over the road to rethink their logistics strategy to include 53' domestic intermodal transportation options. Intermodal is also seen as a more environmentally-friendly mode of transportation with significantly lower emissions compared to trucks, has higher highway safety results, reduces highway congestion and offers lower fuel rates.

About the Journal of Commerce:
About The Journal of Commerce: Since 1827, The Journal of Commerce has been the most trusted source of intelligence for international logistics executives to help them plan global supply chains and better manage day-to-day transportation of goods and commodities in the United States and internationally.

To become a member of The Journal of Commerce click here. JOC members have access to our weekly print and digital magazine and Web site, as well as a 10 percent discount on all JOC events and trade shows, UBM Global Trade Directories and select PIERS products. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news, weekly analysis and regular features ensure our members have the information and data necessary to understand the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. Members enjoy access to "By the Numbers," an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered.

About UBM Global Trade -- UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company's portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of UBM plc, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-223-0243 (+1-973-776-8660 outside the U.S. or Canada).

About IDS Transportation Services, LLC:
IDS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Integrated Distribution Services, Inc., which is an Indianapolis based full service e-commerce fulfillment logistics company. IDS Transportation Services is focused on connecting shippers to intermodal and technology-enabled transportation management solutions to add capacity, lower costs & create a competitive advantage. For more information, visit www.idstransportation.com or call 317-203-8714.